Marietta Cellars Marietta Christo 2022 750ml

The 2022 Christo is bold and explosive in the glass. A rush of blackberry, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, chocolate, lavender and scorched earth opens first. This ample, generous Syrah-based red has so much to offer. Its potent, structured personality will be a fine companion to equally hearty dishes at the dinner table. There's a bit of brawn on the finish, but that works well within this style.

This little-known wine-growing region, South of Mendocino, has only one winery. They have been in operation since 1978. It is structured bottling of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, and a splash of Viognier as a nod to the Northern Rhône of France. Their region gets the warm days, but it has cooler temperatures later in the day, creating structured, high-toned, red wines driven with red fruits, savory herbs, and silky tannins with grit. Aerate and enjoy now, or you can cellar until 2030

The 2021 Christo is a blend of 68% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 8% Petite Sirah and 4% Viognier. The nose features fresh blackcurrant and blueberry aromas with tones of cast iron, violet, sagebrush and conifer. The full-bodied palate is chalky and refreshing with restrained, mineral-driven fruit and a long, perfumed finish. Give it 2-3 years in bottle or a couple hours in a decanter. (Erin Brooks)

Named for Marietta’s founder and longtime winemaker, the 2022 Christo blends 67% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 8% Petite Sirah, and 3% Viognier, his son Scot building the wine in his dad’s favorite style, balanced and earthy, yet plenty generous in velvety mouthfeel and hedonistic. The Syrah and Viognier are co-fermented. It offers the earthiness of Syrah, with the strawberry goodness of Grenache, and the tannic intensity of Petite Sirah, full-bodied, concentrated, and ready to be enjoyed over the next 10-12 years.

The 2022 Christo is composed of 67% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 8% Petite Sirah and 3% Viognier. It bursts from the glass with scents of powdered sugar, tar, blackcurrant and blueberry, and it gives up finer nuances of pepper and garrigue as it opens in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is just as generous, delivering supple, juicy layers of berry pie and spice, and it has a long, floral finish. It will benefit from a few years in the cellar. 5,000 cases produced.

The 2021 Christo is a brooding wine. Black cherry, plum, gravel, tobacco, menthol, licorice and dried herbs add to an impression of gravitas. Brawny tannins wrap it all together. This full-bodied red is very much intended for the diner table.

This full-bodied, robust red blend is a mix of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah and a splash of Viognier. Find layered aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, chocolate, crushed violets, nutmeg and a meaty umami for an appetizing mouthful.